Hello everyone,
Long time reader, first time poster here. I am currently in the market for a new backpack, but I really have no experience with backpacks other than the cheap $30 Jansport backpacks I used in high school and college. I am looking for a backpack for every day carry, large enough to carry a good deal of tools and equipment, and durable enough so that it will not rip or tear even with lots of use. I'm not necessarily looking for someone to recommend a specific backpack, but rather a good brand that I can look into and make my own decision on the exact model. If anyone has any brand recommendations, I'd really love to hear them. Thanks in advance,
Dave

You didn't really mention your intended use (around town? day hiking?) so I'll just tell you what I have.

As a large-ish pack for dayhikes, or a small-ish one for overnighters, I really really like my Deuter Futura 32. This thing is built like a tank and has tons of useful features. Extremely well made. Very comfortable. More for hiking than around town use in my opinion, but I suppose could be used either way. Deutra make many other sizes if you need something smaller or larger than 32 liters.

http://www.deuterusa.com/futura32.html

Sold at REI for $99, a typical price I see in local stores as well:

http://www.rei.com/product/47840357.htm

I'd suggest checking with these folks. I've bought form them on several occasions and their customer service is awsome. Prices are real good too?
http://www.tadgear.com/maxpedition.htm

NEVER buy a backpack you haven't personally tried on WITH a dummy load approximating what you will carry. I don't care if it's promoted as the pack that climbed Annapurna or given 5 gold stars by an outdoor magazine review, especially based on magazine reviews. Those guys live on advertising dollars. If you think they are going to be totally impartial your mistaken. You also need to try different frame systems which are broadly divided into external and internal. Better bags also come in different sizes for a more custom fit. You should think about just how much stuff you realistically can carry. People see all that space and shove stuff in with the religous ferver of a scribe illuminating the Book of Kells. Are you hiking or entering some IRONMAN contest? If your on a budget think Surplus, with several caveats. Never buy anything unless it's rated new or excellent. Everything else is junk. Never buy anything with the phrase 'service like' or 'type'- catchphrases for cheap copied junk. Some systems are almost anathema to people who have used them. Mention Alice packs and you might get one thrown at you <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />. research surplus as much as you do commercial. My german army ranger daypack in Flektarn got PC worried looks from my Sierra Club hiking friends. The group leader kept nervously reminding me about the no fire policy and I couldn't cook my MRE things. Then it rained. I had the group under my siltarp, two fat bottles of english ale, bread,cheese ,Salami and chocolate out AND my other junk still packed for lesser priorities like mountain lions. The ladies looked at the John Muir wannabe group leader 's granola mix and gatoraid. Then they looked at my 'MREs' <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Always remember the pack is only as good as how comfortable it is and whats inside <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Along the lines of what Chris said, a backpack is something that you'll need to try out in person before buying. I'd suggest you find a local high-quality dependable outdoor shop. REI is a national chain that has a very good reputation, but there are lots of local gear stores around the country.

Here is the advice my Scout troop offers new boys regarding backpacks:

When you decide to buy a backpack, get an external frame backpack that fits your son. Firmly resist buying oversize! The pack volume should have about 3000 cubic inches. Make sure it has a padded hip belt, padded shoulder straps and support webbing across the back. Don't buy an internal frame "mountaineering" pack; they're hotter than blazes (cause they lay flat on your back) and the lack of an outside frame makes strapping on sleeping bags, foam pads and tents a royal pain in the behind. Yes, they feel very comfortable in the store and the salesperson will rhapsodize eloquently over how marvelous they are - Don't!

Avoid using a backpack more than five years old, since newer designs can make a big difference in comfort. The more side compartments on the bag, the better - they help your son keep things separated and organized. This is one of those items that needs to be tried on before purchasing. Brands to look for: Camp Trails, JanSport, REI, Kelty, Dana Designs, Gregory, Mountainsmith, The North Face, Osprey, Arc'Teryx, Granite Gear, Coleman Exponent, and Lowe Alpine.

I'm not sure if they are still in business, but I've always liked my Eagle Creek backpack. I used it for college...three times...and I'm still using it today. It's always kept in the insides dry, even in heavy rain, and the zippers are, as the company says, "practically bomb proof". If you're looking for something along those lines, that would be my two cents.

I've been researching a Sleeka Force 35. As I understand, it is waterproof with a built in/ stowable camo rain cover for extra protection. No frame I don't think, but I believe some miltary folks use it.

Well, if money is no object, there's always Kifaru, the reincarnation of Mountainsmith. These are internal frame packs, which I personally have no problem with, but then I'm not in a hot region.

I concur about TAD Gear and their service. They are about to market a patrol type pack of their own design, made by Maxpedition.

Is that the FAST Alpha they are showing off in thier new goodies section?

Surplus stuff is good but remember, it was built for a specific purpose and comfort was NOT usually a top priority.

If you stick with some of the brand names you will know what you are getting yourself into. I own a Gregory Palisades (very comfortable, very durable) and I use an older Marmot Talus every day. Both make great packs of all volumes.

Internal vs External is a great argument but so is Pickup Truck or passenger car.

External Frame: Greater Load capacity, able to strap directly to frame, easier to repair, usually much cheaper

Internal Frame: Usually more comfortable, much better load control on technical moves (off trail, climbing, skiing, etc), easier to get around with (no frame hanging off to snag).

Definately take a look at what you are going to use it for and Try It On! Any good shop will fit you and allow you to "load" the pack with their sandbag to test suspension.

Enjoy.